For You are the God of my refuge. Why have You rejected me? Why must I walk in sorrow because of the enemy's oppression? For You are the God of my refugeThis phrase begins with a profound acknowledgment of God as a place of safety and protection. The Hebrew word for "refuge" is "מָעוֹז" (ma'oz), which conveys a stronghold or a fortified place. In the ancient Near Eastern context, cities often had strongholds or fortresses where inhabitants could retreat during times of attack. Spiritually, this signifies that God is the ultimate protector and sanctuary for the believer, offering security amidst life's adversities. The psalmist's declaration here is both a statement of faith and a reminder of God's unwavering presence and strength. Why have You rejected me?
The psalmist expresses a deep sense of abandonment with this poignant question. The Hebrew root for "rejected" is "זָנַח" (zanach), which means to cast off or forsake. This reflects a moment of spiritual crisis, where the psalmist feels distanced from God's favor. Historically, such feelings were not uncommon among the Israelites, especially during periods of exile or oppression. This question underscores the human experience of feeling distant from God, yet it also invites believers to seek understanding and reconciliation with Him, trusting in His ultimate plan and purpose. Why must I walk about in sorrow
Here, the psalmist describes a state of mourning or distress. The phrase "walk about in sorrow" suggests a continuous, burdensome journey. The Hebrew word for "sorrow" is "קָדַר" (qadar), which can also mean to be dark or gloomy. This imagery evokes the experience of carrying a heavy emotional load, often associated with grief or despair. In the biblical narrative, walking is frequently used as a metaphor for one's life journey or spiritual path. This phrase encourages believers to acknowledge their struggles while seeking God's guidance and comfort along their journey. because of the oppression of the enemy?
The psalmist identifies the source of his sorrow as the "oppression of the enemy." The Hebrew word for "oppression" is "לַחַץ" (lachats), which implies pressure or affliction. Historically, Israel faced numerous adversaries, and this term captures the physical and spiritual challenges posed by such foes. The "enemy" can be understood both literally, as foreign nations or individuals, and metaphorically, as spiritual forces or personal trials. This phrase calls believers to recognize the reality of opposition in their lives, while also affirming that God is greater than any adversary they may face. It serves as a reminder to rely on God's strength and deliverance in times of trouble. Persons / Places / Events 1. GodReferred to as the "God of my refuge," indicating a personal relationship and a source of protection and safety for the psalmist. 2. The PsalmistThe author of the psalm, expressing a deep sense of abandonment and seeking God's presence amidst adversity. 3. The EnemyRepresents those who oppress and cause sorrow to the psalmist, possibly external foes or internal struggles. 4. RefugeA metaphorical place of safety and security, highlighting God's role as a protector. 5. Sorrow and OppressionThe emotional and spiritual state of the psalmist, reflecting a period of trial and distress. Teaching Points God as RefugeEmphasize the importance of viewing God as a refuge, a place of safety and security, especially during times of trouble. The Reality of Feeling RejectedAcknowledge that even faithful believers can feel rejected by God, and it's a part of the human experience to question and seek understanding. Walking in SorrowUnderstand that sorrow and oppression are part of the Christian journey, but they can lead to deeper reliance on God. The Enemy's OppressionRecognize that the enemy can be both external and internal, and spiritual warfare requires reliance on God's strength. Seeking God's PresenceEncourage believers to actively seek God's presence and guidance, especially when feeling distant or oppressed. Bible Study Questions 1. How does viewing God as a "refuge" change your perspective on facing life's challenges? 2. In what ways can you relate to the psalmist's feeling of rejection, and how can you find comfort in God's promises? 3. What are some practical steps you can take to seek God's presence when you feel oppressed by the enemy? 4. How do other scriptures, like Psalm 46:1 or 2 Corinthians 12:9, provide additional insight into dealing with sorrow and oppression? 5. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How did you navigate that season, and what did you learn about God's character? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 42This psalm is closely connected to Psalm 43, often considered a continuation, sharing themes of longing for God and questioning His apparent absence. Psalm 46:1Reinforces the idea of God as a refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Job 30:20Similar expressions of feeling rejected by God, highlighting the universal struggle of faith during trials. 2 Corinthians 12:9Paul speaks of God's grace being sufficient, even in weakness, offering a New Testament perspective on finding strength in God during oppression. People Korah, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Attacks, Cast, Enemy, Hast, Haters, Mourning, Oppressed, Oppression, Refuge, Rejected, Sorrow, StrengthDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 43:2 1205 God, titles of
1240 God, the Rock
5770 abandonment
6233 rejection, experience
8791 oppression, nature of Psalm 43:1-4 8665 praise, reasons Psalm 43:1-5 5831 depression Library The Psalmist's Remonstrance with his Soul
'Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope in God: for I shall yet praise Him, the health of my countenance, and my God.'--PSALM xliii. 5. This verse, which closes this psalm, occurs twice in the previous one. It is a kind of refrain. Obviously this little psalm, of which my text is a part, was originally united with the preceding one. That the two made one is clear to anybody that will read them, by reason of structure, and tone, and similarity of the singer's …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureConflict.
"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."--Psalm 43:5. "Schoene Sonne, kommt du endlich wieder?" [30]Lange transl., Jane Borthwick Sun of comfort, art thou fled for ever? Light of joy, wilt thou return at last? Shall I sing again the song of morning, When the watches of the night are past? Ah! delay not, long-expected dawning! Scatter the thick clouds and mist away, Which …
Jane Borthwick—Hymns from the Land of Luther The Ark of God
Gerhard Ter Steegen Ps. xliii. 3 Peace! O restless heart of mine; Thou, the Still, the Blest, Lead me to Thy courts divine, Thine untroubled rest. Tossed upon the raving sea, Still, fair land, I long for thee. Lord, from Thee I went astray, Lured by magic song; Through dim places far away I have wandered long-- Now, when lost are moon and star, Shines the light of Home afar. O'er the waves that cannot rest, O'er the drifting foam, Wandering dove without a nest; Weary-winged, I come. From the lonely …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others The Promises.
GOD hath strewed all the way from the gate of hell where thou wast, coming sinner, to the gate of heaven whither thou art going, with flowers out of his own garden. Behold how the promises, invitations, calls, and encouragements, like lilies, lie about thee. Take heed thou dost not tread them under foot. You say you believe the Scriptures to be the word of God. I say, Wert thou ever quickened from a dead state by the power of the Spirit of Christ through the covenant of promise? I tell thee from …
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan Historical Summary and Chronological Tables.
a.d. 340. Birth of St. Ambrose (probably at Trèves), youngest son of Ambrose, Prefect of the Gauls. Constantine II. killed at Aquileia. Death of Eusebius. 341. Seventh Council of Antioch. Second exile of St. Athanasius. 343. Photinus begins teaching his heresy. 347. Birth of St. John Chrysostom. Council of Sardica. St. Athanasius restored. 348. Birth of Prudentius the Christian poet. 349. Synod of Sirmium against Photinus. 350. Death of the Emperor Constans. St. Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers. …
St. Ambrose—Works and Letters of St. Ambrose Of Four Things which Bring Great Peace
"My Son, now will I teach thee the way of peace and of true liberty." 2. Do, O my Lord, as Thou sayest, for this is pleasing unto me to hear. 3. "Strive, My Son, to do another's will rather than thine own. Choose always to have less rather than more. Seek always after the lowest place, and to be subject to all. Wish always and pray that the will of God be fulfilled in thee. Behold, such a man as this entereth into the inheritance of peace and quietness." 4. O my Lord, this Thy short discourse …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ The Death of the Righteous
'For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' Phil 1:1I. Paul was a great admirer of Christ. He desired to know nothing but Christ, and him crucified. I Cor 2:2. No medicine like the blood of Christ; and in the text, For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' I. For to me to live is Christ. We must understand Paul of a spiritual life. For to me to live is Christ, i.e.' Christ is my life; so Gregory of Nyssa; or thus, my life is made up of Christ. As a wicked man's life is made up of sin, …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Love
The rule of obedience being the moral law, comprehended in the Ten Commandments, the next question is: What is the sum of the Ten Commandments? The sum of the Ten Commandments is, to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind, and our neighbour as ourselves. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.' Deut 6: 5. The duty called for is love, yea, the strength of love, with all …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Notes on the First Century:
Page 1. Line 1. An empty book is like an infant's soul.' Here Traherne may possibly have had in his mind a passage in Bishop Earle's "Microcosmography." In delineating the character of a child, Earle says: "His soul is yet a white paper unscribbled with observations of the world, wherewith at length it becomes a blurred note-book," Page 14. Line 25. The entrance of his words. This sentence is from Psalm cxix. 130. Page 15. Last line of Med. 21. "Insatiableness." This word in Traherne's time was often …
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations Memoir of John Bunyan
THE FIRST PERIOD. THIS GREAT MAN DESCENDED FROM IGNOBLE PARENTS--BORN IN POVERTY--HIS EDUCATION AND EVIL HABITS--FOLLOWS HIS FATHER'S BUSINESS AS A BRAZIER--ENLISTS FOR A SOLDIER--RETURNS FROM THE WARS AND OBTAINS AN AMIABLE, RELIGIOUS WIFE--HER DOWER. 'We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.'--2 Cor 4:7 'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.'--Isaiah 55:8. 'Though ye have lien among the …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 43:2 NIVPsalm 43:2 NLTPsalm 43:2 ESVPsalm 43:2 NASBPsalm 43:2 KJV
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